One of the most frequently occurred problems during a genomic sequencing process is that although the patient undergoes the process for a particular condition, potential risks about the patient’s chance to develop additional health issues may also be revealed, which may prolong the time duration of the process. An online tool called the Genomics ADvISER is developed to help patients to understand their genomic sequencing and to shorten the time spent.
24 minutes saved
According to the study published in Genetics in Medicine, the official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), Genomics ADvISER is an interactive online decision aid designed to guide patients who have had their genome sequenced and are being offered additional medical information revealed by the sequencing.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of Genomics ADvISER, and found that patients who used the tool spent 24 minutes less the those who did not access the tool. Those who used Genomics ADvISER also claimed to be more knowledgeable about the benefits of sequencing.
The Pandora’s box
The reason why the genomic sequencing process is called the “Pandora’s box” is that while the patient check the particular condition (s)he wants to learn about, the genomic sequencing will also reveal some other data that may or may not present troubling news about the patient’s risk to develop additional health issues.
Genomics ADvISER
Genomics ADvISER is an online tool that can offer patients with knowledges they need when they undergo a genomic sequencing process.
"Clinical guidelines recommend that clinicians engage in shared decision-making with patients about receiving secondary findings before sequencing. With existing constraints on genetic counselors' time, there is a need for less resource-intense ways to provide education and decision-making support." Said Dr. Yvonne Bombard, who has led the creation of the tool.
Dr. Bombard and her team have started to look at ways to develop tailored methods to support patient needs during and after genomic sequencing. Since the tool has been proved to help save time and resources during a genomic sequencing process, the team are now working on the 2.0 version of Genomics ADvISER, aiming at developing an adaptable, interactive, patient-centered digital decision support tool using artificial intelligence.
